🧳 How to Prepare Your Plumbing Before a Vacation
You’ve packed your bags, booked your flights, and planned your itinerary. But before you walk out the door, take a few minutes to prep your plumbing—because nothing ruins a relaxing vacation like coming home to a flooded kitchen.
Here’s your complete guide to protecting your pipes, fixtures, and water systems before you leave.
✅ 1. Turn Off the Main Water Supply
🚰 This is the #1 way to prevent major damage.
If a pipe bursts or leaks while you’re gone, turning off the main water valve can save you from coming home to a disaster.
- Locate your home’s main shut-off valve (usually in the basement or near the water meter).
- Turn it clockwise to shut off.
- Test by turning on a faucet—no water = success.
🛑 If you're leaving in winter, don’t shut off the water to heating systems unless advised by a pro.
✅ 2. Shut Off Individual Water Lines (Optional)
If you prefer not to turn off the main valve, consider turning off valves to:
- Washing machine 🧺
- Dishwasher 🍽️
- Toilets 🚽
- Ice maker ❄️
- Outdoor spigots 🌿
This limits risk to specific appliances or areas.
✅ 3. Check for Leaks Before You Leave
Do a quick home sweep:
- Look under sinks
- Around water heaters
- Behind appliances
- At hose bibs and outdoor faucets
💧 Catching a small drip now could prevent a massive leak later.
✅ 4. Drain & Disconnect Hoses
Hoses left connected (especially outside) can freeze, burst, or leak—especially in cooler climates or early spring.
- Disconnect all outdoor hoses.
- Drain water from spigots and irrigation lines.
✅ 5. Set Your Water Heater to Vacation Mode
Most modern units have a vacation setting that keeps the water warm enough to prevent freezing but saves energy while you’re away.
If yours doesn’t:
- Electric: Lower the thermostat.
- Gas: Set to “pilot” mode.
🔥 Don’t shut it off completely unless recommended.
✅ 6. Test Your Sump Pump (If You Have One)
💦 A working sump pump = flood protection while you’re gone.
To test:
- Pour water into the sump pit.
- Make sure the pump turns on and drains properly.
If it doesn’t respond—get it serviced before you go.
✅ 7. Add a Drain Trap Cleaner (Optional)
To avoid musty smells when you return:
- Add water to rarely-used drains (like a basement shower).
- Pour a small amount of non-toxic drain trap primer or a tablespoon of vegetable oil to prevent evaporation.
✅ 8. Keep the Heat On in Cold Weather
🧊 Frozen pipes are a major risk during winter getaways.
- Set thermostat to at least 55°F (13°C).
- Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air to circulate.
- Keep interior doors open for airflow.
✅ 9. Turn Off Your Water Softener or Filter (Optional)
If you’ll be gone for an extended time, shutting off or bypassing your water treatment system can reduce wear.
Just remember to restart it properly when you return.
✅ 10. Leave a Key & Contact Info with a Trusted Neighbor
If something goes wrong:
- They can access your home.
- They can call you (or your plumber) quickly.
🔑 Bonus: Ask them to flush a toilet or run a faucet once a week if you’re gone for a while to keep things flowing.
🧠 Bonus: Install Smart Water Leak Detectors
Before your next trip, consider installing:
- Leak sensors near water heaters, toilets, and dishwashers
- Smart shut-off valves that automatically turn off your water if a leak is detected
📱 Many can alert your phone in real time—even while you’re sipping piña coladas.
🏡 Return Home With Confidence
A little prep can go a long way. Taking time to protect your plumbing before you leave ensures you’ll return to a dry, damage-free home—and peace of mind throughout your trip.
Need help shutting things down safely? Or want a pro to double-check your system before you head out?
Call Mumma Plumbing at 1-877-8536866
Or explore more DIY tips on our Plumbing Blog.